The interior opens into a single, well-kept room. Just inside the door sits a small entry space with a wash basin and tidy storage. Set into the stone floor is a heavy iron-bound trapdoor.

A few steps lead up to the main chamber. A stone hearth stands ready, beside a sturdy table and simple bed. A wide window looks out over the restless sea.

Everything is orderly—boots aligned, tools placed with care, nothing out of position.

A small shelf holds a few books and nautical curios.

General Impression

The home reflects discipline and routine. Nothing is extravagant, careless, or indulgent.

No valuables are openly displayed.

Main Room

A well-maintained longsword rests above the mantle.

• The weapon is balanced and functional, not decorative.

• No other hidden valuables or secrets are present in the room.

Cellar Access

A heavy iron-bound trapdoor in the stone floor leads to the cellar.

• Not locked.

• Solid and heavy.

• Opens onto a narrow stair descending below.

Exterior Workshop

A small workshop is attached to the house.

Contents include:

• Basic carpentry tools

• Neatly stacked firewood

• A well-maintained axe

• A workbench with simple repair implements

The space reinforces the impression of a practical man who maintains his own home.

Nothing suspicious is visible.

The cellar is cool and dry, carrying the faint smell of salt and old wood. Barrels are stacked neatly along one wall, while coils of rope hang beside crates and simple equipment—nothing unusual for a coastal home.

Against the far wall sits a small cabinet, its doors worn from years of use.

At first glance, nothing here seems remarkable.

Cabinet

Inside the cabinet are a few small items:

• A broken pearl-handled dagger

• Several copper and silver coins with unusual markings

• A modest necklace

Together they are worth only a few silver pieces.

False Keepsakes

These objects are deliberate misdirection.

They are meant to appear like sentimental relics from Ingo’s past, exactly the sort of items someone might hide away.

In truth they are props, part of a carefully constructed false history meant to satisfy anyone who goes looking.

They hold no real meaning to him.

Secret Door

A concealed door is set into the north wall.

• DC 15 Investigation or Perception reveals subtle irregularities in the wood paneling.

The panel slides aside, revealing a narrow stone passage leading into a sea cave.

This passage leads to the true secret of Drover’s house.

The narrow passage opens into a reinforced sea cave. Heavy wooden beams brace the stone walls.

A rack of swords stands beside a sharpening stone. Nearby, a suit of polished plate armor rests on a wooden stand. A table holds several charts, and a faded tapestry bearing military heraldry hangs against the stone.

At the far end of the cave stands a simple wooden door.

Weapons

Five swords rest on the rack.

• All are sharpened and battle-ready.

• None are magical, but each is well-balanced and carefully maintained.

Medals

A small cabinet contains a collection of polished military medals.

• DC 15 History (or proficiency in History): Recognizes them as honors of the Great Kingdom.

• The number and distinction indicate a soldier of very high rank—possibly a general.

These medals are clear proof of Ingo’s true identity.

Armor

A suit of immaculate plate armor stands mounted on a frame.

This is General Illinar’s armor, carefully maintained despite years in hiding.

Its craftsmanship is exceptional. If worn publicly, it would attract attention.

Tapestry

A faded tapestry displays the heraldry of the Great Kingdom.

• A character with the Soldier background recognizes it immediately.

• Others identify it with a DC 12 History check as Aerdian imperial heraldry.

Chart

Achart on the table show the Saltmarsh coastline and nearby waters.

Several locations are marked along the Dunwater River:

• “Stockade” — the fortified smuggler position along the river

• “Ruined Tower” — a site farther inland along the same waterway

The Far Door

The wooden door opens into a small natural sea cave.

Beyond it lies a narrow stretch of rocky shoreline, hidden from view and accessible at low tide.

This is Ingo’s escape route if he must flee Saltmarsh.

Armor

• The armor is plate armor, immaculate and meticulously maintained.

• This is General Illinar’s armor.

• It bears no obvious name, but its craftsmanship is exceptional.

If worn publicly, it would draw attention.

Tapestry

• The heraldry displayed is that of the Great Kingdom.

• A character with a Soldier background recognizes it immediately.

• Others must succeed on a DC 12 History check to identify it as imperial Aerdian heraldry.

The design is unmistakably military.

Charts

The charts on the table depict the Saltmarsh coastline and surrounding waters.

Several locations are marked:

• Along the Dunwater River:

  • One marking reads: “Stockade.”

  • Another farther upriver reads: “Ruin Tower.”

Stockade refers to the fortified smuggler/pirate position along the river.

Ruin Tower lies farther inland along the same waterway.

The Far Door

The wooden door at the end of the cave opens into a small natural sea cave.

Beyond it lies a narrow stretch of rocky shoreline and beach, accessible at low tide and hidden from casual view.

This is Ingo’s escape route.